Navigant Credit Union may seem at first glimpse like many of the other credit unions with which it competes for business. But as Tim Draper, vice president of marketing explained, Navigant sets itself apart by prioritizing family above most else.
“If our employees are happy and their lives are well-balanced, then we’ll have productive employees,” said Draper, who added that the company has expanded significantly over the years. “It’s a challenge as you grow and add staff to the ranks – it’s hard to maintain that family feel. I think we’ve done a very good job in that when people come in for their orientation, we want them to know that we support them.”
Navigant Credit Union gets behind its employees’ families by offering workers service discounts, an education-scholarship program and time away from the office when there is a Little League game, a dance recital or a doctor’s appointment.
“We want to make sure we are participating in whatever we can and maintain that feeling of being part of a community,” said Draper. “Even though they aren’t working here, they are working out there.”
The credit union wants its employees to maintain a happy and health body and presence within the community as well. It does that by providing a full fitness center within the building, and it invites outside trainers into the center during lunch hours. Employees can also earn their pay by occasionally volunteering during work hours.
If they are not spending valued time with their families or within the community, Navigant Credit Union’s employees are bettering their minds and their resumes through educational certification and professional-development programs. The credit union offers a 50 percent subsidy for qualified educational courses. •
